WEEK 1 RECAP
Lions 21, Chiefs 20: Sam LaPorta caught five es (on five targets) for 39 yards against Kansas City on opening night — the most receptions for a rookie tight end in Week 1 since 2019 when TJ Hockenson caught six es, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s looking like the talented La Porta will have an opportunity to pay off his immense potential in a possible top-5 offense going forward.
Falcons 24, Panthers 10: As someone who invested heavily in Bijan Robinson, I’m now fully prepared to curse Tyler Allgeier’s (and Arthur Smith’s) name the rest of this season. The reality is this running game is robust enough to both backs in fantasy, especially when you consider the myriad of ways Smith can utilize Robinson. The dynamic rookie led Atlanta in targets (six) with Drake London (20) and Kyle Pitts (20) barely running more routes than the 18 he ran.
Browns 24, Bengals 3: You can blame it on the weather or Joe Burrow missing time during the preseason/training camp, but I’m giving credit for shutting down Cincy’s high-powered offense to new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and a talented group who gave us glimpses of this down the stretch last year — they had five games with double-digit points in 2022, including three in the final six games.
Jaguars 31, Colts 21: A lot of Zay Jones > Christian Kirk energy after Kirk was reduced primarily to a slot receiver in the opener. Trevor Lawrence is a good enough quarterback and Jacksonville’s offense is diverse enough to utilize multiple receivers depending on the matchup. Kirk’s ceiling may be lower than last year, but this could be a buy-low moment.
Buccaneers 20, Vikings 17: Cade Otton only left the field for two plays. However, he caught only two of his three targets for 19 yards, but only Mike Evans and Chris Godwin ran more routes. Put Otton on your watch list just in case Tampa Bay’s offense starts clicking later in the season.
Saints 16, Titans 15: Rookie running back Tyjae Spears played the ing-down snaps, but also took significant snaps on early downs, totaling 27 yards on three carries. Derrick Henry is a sell-high candidate if you believe Tennessee will be playing from behind often.
49ers 30, Steelers 7: I’m not sure we’ve established a ceiling yet, but the floor is looking mighty enticing for Brock Purdy. Purdy has thrown for at least two touchdowns in seven of the eight starts (including playoffs) he’s managed to finish.
Commanders 20, Cardinals 16: Antonio Gibson’s carries were declining late last season, but this was just the second time in his career he was held to four touches or less in a game. The other was a 2020 game where he played only four snaps. Brian Robinson actually ran more routes (18 to 17) than Gibson as well. Looks like Robinson could be more locked in as the primary ball-carrier for Washington than I anticipated.
Ravens 25, Texans 9: With JK Dobbins suffering another season-ending injury, I’d prioritize Gus Edwards, a reliable veteran who has produced in the past, and a superior -blocker to Justice Hill, who scored twice against Houston. I wouldn’t be surprised if Baltimore sniffs around Leonard Fournette or Kareem Hunt as a free agent option to fill the void left by Dobbins, but the real upside lies with undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell. Mitchell is on injured reserve now, but he could be back as soon as Week 4. Some teams wanted to make him a slot receiver during the draft process because of his size. Regardless, he’s electric with the ball in his hands and you’re not catching him from behind.
Packers 38, Bears 20: Rookie tight end Luke Musgrave played the most snaps, ran the most routes and finished second in targets for Green Bay. Few available at the position have the role and upside Mugrave has.
My Usual Week 1 Boilerplate: I feel like I don’t need to remind those who have played fantasy football before not to overreact after the first week. We’re all known for being cool, calm and collected at all times. Wait, what? We’re not? We’re actually loose cannons who probably need to visit a rage room. Yeah, that sounds about right. Take a breath and repeat after me, “Talent will win the day in the end.”
Raiders 17, Broncos 16: Las Vegas’ game appears very top-heavy. Out of Jimmy Garoppolo’s 26 attempts, Jakobi Meyers (10) and Davante Adams (nine) were targeted 19 times. This means tight ends Austin Hooper and talented rookie Michael Mayer — who combined for one target — will likely be TD-dependent options on a week-to-week basis.
Eagles 25, Patriots 20: It’s hard to ignore the 11 targets Kendrick Bourne received against Philadelphia. Bourne produced six receptions, 64 yards and two scores against a good secondary. He has done this for extended stretches before, so it’s possible he can continue to be viable in fantasy because there simply isn’t an Alpha in New England’s receiver group, but I also don’t expect Mac Jones to throw as much going forward — Jones attempted 54 es against the Eagles.
Dolphins 36, Chargers 34: The offensive pyrotechnics for both teams didn’t surprise anyone, but Miami tight end Durham Smythe’s role in the ing game was one of the most shocking developments of Week 1 for me. Smythe played every snap, ran more routes than Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and finished second to Hill in targets (seven). He was primarily a blocker last year, but had three receptions for 44 yards in the opener. This is something worth monitoring considering the potential of this offense and the volatility of the position in fantasy.
Rams 30, Seahawks 13: Puka Nacua made quite an impression in the offseason after GM Les Snead selected him in the fifth round and he shares a similar skillset to Robert Woods, who thrived in Sean McVay’s offense. I’ve been shouting this from the mountain tops since early August and now everyone knows. Nacua earned almost a 40 percent target share In Week 1 operating as Cooper Kupp, finishing with 10 receptions on 15 targets. Since 1980, only six wide receivers have finished Week 1 with more receiving yards (119) than Nacua produced. If Nacua maintains this level of play, he will remain a starter and have a valuable role even after Kupp returns.
Cowboys 40, Giants 0: Despite being limited with a hamstring ailment, Darren Waller still led the G-Men in targets (five) and yards (36). New York essentially stopped using him in the third quarter after Dallas took a 26-0 lead — likely to rest him and make sure he’s healthy going forward. This could be a buy-low opportunity if you’re not risk-averse.
Jets 22, Bills 16 (OT): Garrett Wilson finished as the overall WR21 across most formats as a rookie last season. I’m mourning a potential top-5 ceiling for Wilson with Aaron Rodgers lost for the season, but there’s no need to jettison him for pennies on the dollar. The rest of the principals in New York’s offense is another story altogether.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 2:
MINNESOTA AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN), Alexander Mattison (MIN), Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST.
Who to start: Kirk Cousins (MIN) faces a defense that just allowed Mac Jones to for 316 yards and three TDs. Jordan Addison (MIN) finished as the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) last week and should continue to draw single coverage thanks to Jefferson. D’Andre Swift (PHI) has RB2 upside with Kenneth Gainwell sidelined with a rib injury.
Who to sit: CJ Osborn (MIN) is a boom-or-bust candidate as the fourth option in the Vikings’ attack.
Sleeper: Rashaad Penny (PHI) will likely be active and get some some touches (and potentially find the end zone) with Gainwell out if you need a flex option in deeper standard formats.
GREEN BAY AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL).
Who to start: AJ Dillon (GB) could be in store for a heavy workload if Aaron Jones is out or limited — otherwise, he deserves flex consideration. Romeo Doubs (GB) deserves flex consideration if Christian Watson remains out or limited. I’m willing to give Drake London (ATL) one more shot before I hit the panic button. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) will have RB2/flex upside if he’s getting double-digit touches every week in the Falcons’ robust run offense. The Falcons D/ST has improved significantly and was the seventh-highest scoring defense in Week 1.
Who to sit: Both Aaron Jones (GB) and Christian Watson (GB) are dealing with a hamstring injury and haven’t practiced as of Wednesday — I wouldn’t start either unless we receive confirmation they can play without limitations on Sunday. I’m fading the Packers D/ST against a run-heavy offense on the road. Jordan Love (GB) was solid against an awful Bears defense, but I’d only consider him in a Superflex format at this point. I’d only consider dynamic rookie receiver Jayden Reed (GB) this week if both Watson and Doubs are sidelined.
Sleeper: Luke Musgrave (GB) faces a defense that allowed the second-most points to tight ends in Week 1 and he actually led all Packers players with 23 routes run in his professional debut.
LAS VEGAS AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: James Cook (BUF) was the overall RB31 in standard formats (RB27 in PPR) after producing 63 total yards on 16 touches (four receptions). Dalton Kincaid (BUF) faces a defense that allowed seven receptions and 56 yards to tight ends in Week 1.
Who to sit: Jakobi Meyers (LV) is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol. I’m fading Jimmy Garoppolo (LV) against a strong defense on the road after he was solid in Week 1. Michael Mayer (LV) remains TD-dependent after not receiving a target in his pro debut. Gabe Davis (BUF) remains a boom-or-bust option until further notice. Damien Harris (BUF), Latavius Murray (BUF) and Dawson Knox (BUF) are all TD-dependent options.
Sleeper: If Meyers is unable to go, Hunter Renfrow (LV) would likely handle a majority of the slot work.
BALTIMORE AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).
Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) finished as the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) after producing 78 yards on nine receptions (and an impressive 10 targets).
Who to sit: We’re going to need more than three targets apiece to trust Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) or Rashod Bateman (BAL). I’m fading the Ravens D/ST against Burrow at home after he and the Bengals embarrassed themselves last week. Tyler Boyd (CIN) is a boom-or-bust option after having only two receptions (three targets) for 10 yards in Week 1. Irv Smith Jr. (CIN) remains TD-dependent as Burrow’s fifth option. There should be better options available than the Bengals D/ST this week.
Sleeper: Both Gus Edwards (BAL) and Justice Hill (BAL) deserve flex consideration in deeper leagues.
SEATTLE AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET).
Who to start: Geno Smith (SEA) should bounce back from an underwhelming start to the season against one of the seven defenses to allow 20-plus points to a QB in Week 1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) deserves flex consideration after receiving solid usage in the opener — five targets tied for team lead. Jared Goff (DET) deserves streaming consideration after the Seahawks allowed Matthew Stafford to for 334 yards in Week 1.
Who to sit: Zach Charbonnet (SEA) only had three carries in the opener against the Rams. Marvin Jones Jr. (DET) and Josh Reynolds (DET) remain boom-or-bust options despite the good matchup.
Sleeper: Sam LaPorta (DET) finished as the overall TE14 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) in Week 1.
L.A. CHARGERS AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC), Derrick Henry (TEN).
Who to start: DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) missed practice Wednesday with an ankle injury, but he’s an obvious starter with the type of target share (38 percent) he received against the Saints.
Who to sit: We need more volume before we can trust talented rookie receiver Quentin Johnston (LAC), but this is a great matchup if you’re considering flexing him in a deeper league. Gerald Everett (LAC) is TD-dependent after essentially splitting time with Donald Parham Jr. against the Dolphins. Joshua Kelley (LAC) remains TD-dependent unless Ekeler is out or limited. Friends don’t let friends start Ryan Tannehill (TEN) in fantasy. I’m fading Chiqoziem Okonkwo (TEN) until we get a better grasp on his usage, but keep in mind he’s capable of a smash week.
Sleeper: Treylon Burks (TEN) deserves flex consideration facing a secondary that just got blitzed by Tyreek Hill.
CHICAGO AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Justin Fields (CHI), DJ Moore (CHI), Chris Godwin (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Rachaad White (TB).
Who to start: Double-digit touches still places Khalil Herbert (CHI) in the RB2/flex range. Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense that allowed 11 receptions and 67 yards to tight ends in Week 1. Darnell Mooney (CHI) deserves flex consideration after producing four receptions (seven targets) for 53 yards and a TD against the Packers last week. The Buccaneers D/ST is a solid streaming option with a potentially matchup at home after performing well on the road against the Vikings.
Who to sit: Baker Mayfield (TB) remains a fade outside of Superflex formats despite the good matchup. Cade Otton (TB) remains TD-dependent until we see higher usage (he only received three targets in Week 1).
Sleeper: Roschon Johnson (CHI) was the primary third-down back, scored the Bears’ only rushing TD, and also led the team in receptions (six) in his pro debut.
KANSAS CITY AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Calvin Ridley (JAC), Trevor Lawrence (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).
Who to start: If Travis Kelce (KC) is active, he needs to be in your lineup. Isiah Pacheco (KC) deserves flex consideration — and has RB2 upside — if he’s receiving double-digit touches in a Mahomes-led offense. Both Christian Kirk (JAC) and Zay Jones (JAC) have WR3/flex upside in a potentially high-scoring affair.
Who to sit: Skyy Moore (KC), Kadarius Toney (KC) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) all seem like boom-or-bust options at this point — I’m sure the Chiefs want to get Toney the ball early to wipe the taste of Week 1 out of his mouth. Jerick McKinnon (KC) is a dart throw with zombie Clyde Edwards-Helaire still hanging around — CEH siphoned seven touches away in the opener. Tank Bigsby (JAC) remains TD-dependent until we have a bigger sample size of his usage.
Sleeper: I actually trust rookie Rashee Rice (KC) the most out all the Chiefs receivers — wonder if Mahomes feels the same way?
INDIANAPOLIS AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Dameon Pierce (HOU).
Who to start: Anthony Richardson (IND) finished as the overall QB4 in his first start. Both the Colts D/ST and Texans D/ST deserve streaming consideration in a matchup of rookie quarterbacks. Dalton Schultz (HOU) remains a borderline TE1 until further notice. Nico Collins (HOU) has WR3/flex upside after producing 80 yards on six receptions in 11 targets against the Ravens in Week 1. Robert Woods (HOU) has flex appeal in PPR after producing six receptions on 10 targets last week.
Who to sit: Deon Jackson (IND) only has value in deeper PPR formats. Devin Singletary (HOU) remains a TD-dependent option after getting seven carries in the opener. CJ Stroud (HOU) only deserves consideration in Superflex formats at this stage.
Sleeper: Zack Moss (IND) will likely get double-digit touches against a defense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1.
SAN FRANCISCO AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: Tyler Higbee (LAR) had 12 receptions (20 targets) in two games against the Niners in 2022. You’re not going to spend all that FAAB capital on Puka Nacua (LAR) and then keep him on your bench, are you? The dynamic Tutu Atwell (LAR) deserves flex consideration in deeper leagues despite the difficult matchup after producing 119 yards on six receptions (eight targets) in the opener against the Seahawks.
Who to sit: Elijah Mitchell (SF) remains TD-dependent as McCaffrey’s understudy. Double-digit touches means both Cam Akers (LAR) and Kyren Williams (LAR) have flex value, but this is a terrible matchup. This is not a good matchup for Matthew Stafford (LAR) — he had 441 ing yards, one TD and one interception in two games against the Niners last year. Van Jefferson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust option.
Sleeper: Brock Purdy (SF) finished Week 1 as the overall QB10 in fantasy.
N.Y. GIANTS AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Darren Waller (NYG), James Conner (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI).
Who to start: I expect a bounce-back performance from Daniel Jones (NYG) against a defense that allowed a ing and rushing TD to the QB last week. The Giants D/ST are the latest winner in the “Who gets to play the Cardinals?” sweepstakes. Marquise Brown (ARI) maintains flex value based on a potentially high target share.
Who to sit: I’m not sure any of the Giants wide receivers should be on your roster, let a lone in your lineup at this point. Rondale Moore (ARI) and rookie Michael Wilson (ARI) are boom-or-bust options in deeper PPR formats.
Sleeper: Hard to not at least consider the Cardinals D/ST a streaming option when it faces an offense that allowed seven sacks, two TDs and committed three turnovers last week.
N.Y. JETS AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST.
Who to start: High usage should help Breece Hall (NYJ) and Dalvin Cook (NYJ) maintain their RB2/flex upside despite the matchup. The Jets D/ST looked matchup-proof to me against the Bills.
Who to sit: Allen Lazard (NYJ) becomes TD-dependent with Aaron Rodgers sidelined. I’m fading Dak Prescott (DAL) against an elite defense. Brandin Cooks (DAL) looks like a boom-or-bust option until further notice. Same goes for Michael Gallup (DAL) in this matchup.
Sleeper: Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense that allowed seven receptions for 51 yards to tight ends in the opener — Ferguson saw seven targets in Week 1 against the Giants.
WASHINGTON AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Javonte Williams (DEN).
Who to start: Jahan Dotson (WAS) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1. Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) maintains RB2/flex upside after receiving 20 touches against the Cardinals. Logan Thomas (WAS) is a borderline TE1 after producing four receptions on eight targets last week. You could do worse than the Commanders D/ST. Looks like Jerry Jeudy (DEN) will return (along with his WR1 upside) after almost playing in Week 1. Courtland Sutton (DEN) maintains WR3/flex upside after producing four receptions and a TD against the Raiders. Samaje Perine (DEN) maintains flex appeal after he had 78 total yards on 12 touches (four receptions) in Week 1. The Broncos D/ST is usually a solid streaming option at home.
Who to sit: I’m fading Antonio Gibson (WAS) after seeing his usage dip below expectations in the opener. Curtis Samuel (WAS) maintains flex value in deeper PPR formats, but that’s it for now. Russell Wilson (DEN) looked better against Raiders, but I’d wait until Sean Payton gets his offense fully installed before trusting Wilson outside of Superflex formats.
Sleeper: Sam Howell (WAS) finished Week 1 as the overall QB11 in fantasy.
MIAMI AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).
Who to start: Raheem Mostert (MIA) finished Week 1 as the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB18 in PPR). Kendrick Bourne (NE) has flex appeal after finishing Week 1 as the overall WR4 in standard formats (WR5 in PPR). Decent volume helps JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) maintain flex value in PPR formats. The Patriots D/ST play the Dolphins much better at home. Both Hunter Henry (NE) and Mike Gesicki (NE) are viable against a defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends in Week 1.
Who to sit: The Dolphins D/ST wasn’t ready for prime-time vs. the run against the Chargers, which could be a problem this week against the Patriots. We can’t trust dynamic rookie De’Von Achane (MIA) until we see him on the field, but he’s coming.
Sleeper: Ezekiel Elliott (NE) had 12 touches against the Eagles and could benefit greatly against the Dolphins leaky run defense.
NEW ORLEANS AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Chris Olave (NO), Saints D/ST, Miles Sanders (CAR).
Who to start: Jamaal Williams (NO) faces the defense who allowed the most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1. Michael Thomas (NO) maintains WR3/flex upside after producing five receptions for 61 yards on eight targets against the Titans. Derek Carr (NO) is a borderline QB1 — he finished Week 1 as the overall QB14 in fantasy.
Who to sit: Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent until further notice. Adam Thielen (CAR) and DJ Chark (CAR) are TD-dependent with such a difficult matchup. I’m fading a depleted Panthers D/ST at home. The Saints lock down tight ends — didn’t allow a single reception to the position in Week 1 — so I’m also fading Hayden Hurst (CAR) this week.
Sleeper: There are not enough people on the Rashid Shaheed (NO) bandwagon — he’s a playmaker against a secondary missing its best player.
CLEVELAND AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), David Njoku (CLE), Browns D/ST, Najee Harris (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT).
Who to start: Deshaun Watson (CLE) finished Week 1 as the overall QB5 in fantasy. George Pickens (PIT) should see a big target share with Diontae Johnson sidelined. I still like the Steelers D/ST at home despite Cam Heyward’s injury.
Who to sit: Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) remains the epitome of a boom-or-bust option. I think Kenny Pickett (PIT) will play better this week, but you can’t trust him outside of Superflex formats. I’m fading Allen Robinson (PIT) in favor of Pickens having a big night. Jaylen Warren (PIT) only has value in deeper PPR formats at this stage.
Sleeper: Elijah Moore (CLE) was second in routes ran and tied for first in targets in his debut with the Browns.
